Garage door painting, plus other considerations (like the type of garage entry door to install), can impact your home’s function and curb appeal. Many garage doors need a fresh coat of paint every few years. It not only looks good but can also protect the door. Whether you’ve never painted a garage door or it’s been a while since you last did, here are 14 garage door painting tips to help you along.

1. Move Your Vehicle Outside: It doesn’t directly affect the paint job, but you should move your car and other items out of the garage. Decluttering the space protects valuables from stray paint droplets and gives you more room to work.
2. Wait Until a Cool Day: When planning to paint your garage door, check the weather forecast. A temperature between 50℉ and 75℉ is best for painting. Also, plan the project for a three-day window when there’s low humidity, and try to time it for when you can work out of direct sunlight.
3. Prep the Garage Door: Wear work gloves, safety goggles, and a dust mask. Use a wire brush to remove any rust. Then use fine-grit sandpaper to sand any rough areas. This will create a smooth base to work with when you start garage door painting.
4. Clean the Garage Door: The best paint job is on a clean, smooth surface. To clean your garage door, use a sponge or cloth that’s been soaked in warm soapy water. You can then rinse the surface clean with a garden hose. Avoid using a pressure washer. Using clean towels or rags, dry the garage door and wait an hour for it to air dry.
5. Protect Anything You Don’t Want Paint On: Place drop cloths under the door to avoid getting paint on the floor or your driveway. To protect doors, you can use masking tape and paper to create a type of awning. To protect windows, trims, locks, and handles, you can use heavy-duty painter’s tape.
6. Set the Garage Door in Manual Mode: Disconnect the door from the electric garage door opener. You can then move the door manually, raising and lowering it as needed to avoid straining yourself while painting. 
7. Find a Paint Primer Suited for the Material: Check the product label for details on the material it’s suited for. Use an exterior paint primer. When priming inset panels, use a 2-inch paintbrush with nylon bristles. The stiles can then be primed using the brush or a ¾-inch roller. Paint the trim last. 
8. Work from Bottom to Top: Now that your door is in manual mode, you can start painting it from the bottom, starting with the inner panels and working outward. Lower the door as you go, until you reach the top portion.
9. Purchase a Protective Paint: A garage door paint that is UV-, rust-, and moisture-resistant will last longer, making your effort worth it.
10. Consider Using a Spray Paint: Spray painting your garage door is a faster process. It also makes it easier to reach tight areas, which can be more challenging with rollers and brushes. When spray painting a garage door, go from left to right, then up and down. Use a small or medium brush to paint the trim.
11. Let the Door Dry in the Lifted Position: Once the door is fully coated, lift it so it’s facing toward the ceiling. This protects wet paint from insects and speeds up the drying process. But first, make sure the ceiling is free of dirt and dust.
12. Fill in the Gaps: To be as thorough as possible, fill in the gaps after the paint dries. To paint the gaps between each section, lower the door section by section to access one space at a time. When the seam is open, you can paint between the segments and leave the door partially open until these areas dry.
13. Wait at Least 12 Hours to Apply a Second Coat: If the paint is uneven or the old color is showing through, let the first coat dry for 12 hours and then apply a second coat. Remove any tape you applied and let the paint dry overnight.
14. Use an Oil-Based Primer and Paint for Aluminum Garage Doors: Wooden garage doors are easier to paint. Since steel and aluminum doors are already coated, paint jobs need to be redone every few years. An oil-based primer and paint should be used. While more difficult to clean up, the paint can help match a repainting job on your home’s exterior, add a contrasting color, or replace a worn baked enamel or powder coat.

Schedule Garage Door Repair or a Free Estimate

Mesa Garage Doors installs and repairs garage doors in Los Angeles and surrounding areas. Factory-trained, our technicians can provide any garage door service you need. For a free repair estimate, advice, or more information on garage door painting, call (800) 893-1107 or email us at info@mesagaragedoors.com. 

Homeowners often ask if windows can be installed in their existing garage door. Replacing a modern garage door system can be expensive, so this is an interesting question. But yes, you can install garage door windows in your existing door. They’re one of the best custom garage door features you can add.

Garage door windows have a visual appeal that makes them popular. They can help boost the curb appeal of your home and let natural light into your garage (providing warmth and brightness that reduces reliance on electric heating and lighting). But if your garage door doesn’t have windows, how do you enjoy these benefits?

Considerations for Installing Windows in Your Garage Door

If you are thinking of retrofitting your existing garage door with windows, here are some of the most important factors to consider:

• The Type/Brand/Dimensions of the Door: Windows are a common feature on Victorian, Georgian, Colonial, Edwardian, and some contemporary garage doors. The brand of garage door is important. Windows are more suited for some door makes and models than others. Depending on the brand, dimensions, thickness, and features like embossed motifs or deep grooves, you may not be able to install windows in the door.
• Window Placement: Think about why you’re installing windows on your garage door. Windows on the upper section let in plenty of daylight but also maintain security. It’s much harder for curious onlookers to peek into your garage—unless they’re extremely tall. The third section of your garage door (from the bottom) is a good place for windows if you want the ability to look in and out.
• Privacy: No matter where you place garage door windows, you can install frosted glass that lets in light but doesn’t let one distinguish what’s on the other side. Or, two-way mirror glass can be installed so you can look out but not see in. Textured, opaque, and other glass styles are also available.
• Glass Features: The window glass may be plain and simple or add detail to enhance the garage door’s overall design. Glass can be tempered or laminated to increase safety in case it breaks. Insulated glass can help retain heat or keep it out to improve comfort and efficiency.
• Style of Your Home and Its Windows: The windows on your garage door should complement the style of the windows on the front facade of your house. Square-shaped garage door windows may not pair well with arched or oval-shaped glass on your front door. The resulting contrast would look strange. It’s best to use shapes, designs, and patterns that are already in your home. Try to create a sense of harmony.
• Spring Balance: Adding windows to your garage door changes the balance of its weight. Therefore, the spring system can be thrown off balance. Garage door spring systems are calibrated to allow for about a 5% variance in weight. Any significant changes can strain the garage door opener, so you need to change the spring system if you’re installing windows on your garage door.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Types of Windows Are Used for Garage Doors?

Small areas of glass installed as inserts are called garage door lites. Mimicking older window styles, these divide a large pane of glass into smaller parts. There are also lites that are separated by their own structural frame. However, larger areas of glass can be used with garage doors; if desired, a large glass pane can be divided into lites using decorative elements.

Can Garage Door Windows Be Replaced?

Replacing windows on a garage door not originally built with them can be a complex undertaking. It’s easier to replace windows on a door that was originally designed with glass inserts or grilles. Consult with the door manufacturer to learn about your options.

What Window Styles Are Available for Garage Doors?

Garage door windows generally come in a square or rectangular style with a 90-degree angle in each corner, or arched style windows with bottom corners at 90 degrees and top corners with sharper angles. Arched windows are sometimes placed above square windows.

Contact Mesa Garage Doors

As Southern California’s leading garage door company, we offer many garage door products with window features. We have highly experienced installers and repair technicians. While garage door windows can be installed in doors that were originally built without them, it’s best to consult a professional familiar with garage door design and the many options available on the market. To learn more or receive a free new door or repair estimate, call (800) 893-1107 today.

A bent garage door can be fixed, but how you proceed depends on the issue. You may be tempted to try a DIY fix as soon as you notice the problem. But is this a good idea? The warranty may dictate what types of repairs must be done professionally. Proceeding with a repair without expertise or a license can risk voiding the warranty. The best way to start is to ask a garage door repair company if you should move forward or schedule an appointment.

You can fix some garage door issues. Some examples include cleaning dirt and debris from the tracks, tightening nuts and bolts, adjusting a bracket, or lubricating springs, rollers, and hinges. But more advanced tasks should be handled by a skilled technician. 

Why Does a Garage Door Bend?

A garage door can bend or dent for many reasons. The most common causes include an impact by a vehicle or sports equipment, falling debris, or hail. An obstruction in the tracks can also bend the garage door. Other causes include contact with power tools or use of improper cleaning equipment.

The consequences of a bent garage door include moisture intrusion (if the weather seal is broken), leading to water damage. A bent panel can also obstruct the garage door opener. Therefore, the door may not fully open or close and can be damaged more by trying to operate it. If there’s a bent panel, you should call for garage door repair right away.

How a Bent Garage Door Is Fixed

A bend in a garage door panel can damage the track, a roller, or a bearing. It can also cause a lag in movement that strains the garage door opener. If a panel at the bottom of the garage door is bent, it can often be repaired without much hassle.

However, if the garage door is bent in the middle, repairing it may take more time and effort. Replacing the entire panel requires removing all the panels attached to it. Extensive fixes can be quite costly and require a professional to replace the garage door.

Fixing a bent garage door can be accomplished in the following ways:

• Hammer Out the Bend: A bend in a garage door can be hammered out if the damage isn’t extensive. Use a soft rubber mallet or block of wood if going with this approach. Place the mallet or wood block on the bend (from behind where it protrudes outward) and hold it tight against the surface. Strike the block lightly. Using too much force will only make the dent bigger.
• Use Suction Cups: Suction cups can be used as an alternative if the dent is small. Place the suction tool over the dented area. The pressure from the suction device straightens out the damaged segment. This method is most effective for metal garage doors. 
• Straighten the Panel with Heat: When you heat a piece of metal, it can take its original form as it cools. First, place a piece of aluminum foil on the dented section. Then, apply a heat source along with compressed air. This quickly heats and cools the panel, which straightens it within a few minutes.
• Fill the Dent: If the door still opens and closes normally, filling the dent is possible. To do so, start by sanding the area. This smooths out any jagged fragments. Then, fill the dented space with an auto-body filler (mix in a hardening agent if the product instructions call for it) and apply the filler. Once it’s smooth, dried, and sanded, apply a coat of paint that matches the garage door (or paint the entire door to match and completely hide the bend).

When Should I Replace the Garage Door Panel?

A technician should replace a bent panel if you can’t fix it.  Replacing a garage door panel requires a few tools, including vise grips, a hand-operated winch, and an impact drill. The vise grips fit under the garage door once it’s set to an adjusted height. The garage door cable must be tensioned with a come-along, which is a type of hand ratchet puller. You’ll need to remove the panel’s hinges and crank the ratchet puller to create a space to remove and replace the damaged panel.

A garage door bottom panel, while more prone to damage, requires a different approach to replacement or repair. Neglecting to repair it can result in damage to the entire system. First, unplug the garage door opener. To replace a bottom panel, a hoist is needed to raise the garage door, and a vise grip is used to hold the cable to the drum. Removing and replacing the bottom section requires many precautions and the hinge bolts holding it in place can be difficult to remove.

We do not recommend replacing a bent garage door panel without the help of a professional.

Contact Us for Bent Garage Door Repair

At Mesa Garage Doors, we specialize in all types of garage door repair. If a door panel is bent, we can find a solution depending on the location and size of the bend and the extent of the damage. Don’t try to fix any garage door issues yourself. Our team of skilled professionals is trained to quickly, safely, and effectively resolve them. To schedule a garage door repair, call (714) 709-2701 today.

Knowing when it’s time for garage door cable replacement is important to protect your garage door and your safety. High-tension cables support the door as it moves. Mesa Garage Doors is a name you can trust for high-quality garage door replacement. We also know a lot about garage door cables. 

The cables attached to your garage door, which usually run through the springs, are under high tension. They are usually attached to the bottom brackets and run over the pulleys. While the cable will prevent the spring from launching across the room if it fails, the cable can be dangerous if it breaks. After all, it must support the entire weight of the door. 

However, you can take action and call a professional if you notice these signs you need garage door cable replacement:

A Cable Is Loose or Drooping

A bad cable may appear to be drooping, dragging, or frayed. If it appears loose or poorly attached, call for help. The same goes if it has fallen. Operating the garage door at this point can cause it to be damaged or fall to the ground and shatter to pieces. It can also result in other issues that require replacing the entire garage door. For example, a frayed cable can mean the spring has weakened and is putting more stress on it.

You See Rust on a Cable

If you see rust on a cable when you inspect it, assume the cable has weakened and have it replaced. Oxidation can mean the cable is on the verge of breaking. Using a spray lubricant once a year can prevent, slow down, or reduce the risk of corrosion.

The Door Is Misaligned

A bad cable can cause the garage door to open or close unevenly. It may appear lopsided, which can damage the track and strain the garage door opener motor. If misaligned, the door may also jerk instead of moving smoothly. Whether the alignment of the door is off is usually easy to notice. It may also suddenly stop.

The Door Doesn’t Respond Correctly

If you activate the garage door opener and it struggles to open, or there’s a delay of a few seconds or minutes, it can signal various issues. A malfunctioning cable can prevent parts from catching. Therefore, even if the garage door tries to open, it can take a long time to do so. Both cable and spring issues can cause this to happen.

Loud Noises

The high tension of the springs and cables can cause loud grinding, clashing, and other noises. Call a technician if applying a lubricant to the springs doesn’t lessen the noise. Don’t wait to call for help if there’s a sudden loud bang from your garage.

The Bearings Are Worn Out

Worn bearings can damage garage door cables. They can cause loud grinding or squeaking sounds while the door is operating. Check for marks or other signs of damage on the cables if you hear these sounds. Friction between the bearings and cables can also cause a burning odor. Call for garage door cable replacement if you see, hear, or smell something unusual.

A Cable Has Fallen

Loose tension is bad enough. However, if a cable has fallen and is hanging around the door, do not attempt to operate the garage door. Check to see if the fallen cable is still attached to the drum it’s supposed to wind around. Try to describe the issue to the garage door repair company when you call. It will help the technician more quickly diagnose and resolve this and other potential issues when they arrive.

Call for Garage Door Cable Replacement

We recommend inspecting your garage door cables and other components at least once a year. If there are any signs of damage, rust, or failure, contact Mesa Garage Doors to have the cable replaced right away. Our repair professionals will quickly inspect the system, diagnose the problem, and replace any cable or part that is damaged. When it’s time for garage door replacement, we’ll help you choose the best garage door material type, complement your entry door, and consider add-ons such as windows and insulation.

If you notice signs of trouble, you can reach us 24/7. Call (714) 515-7645 whenever you need garage door cable replacement or any other service.

Not every homeowner realizes a wood gate can be a good investment. Wood offers a classic look, but its reputation often doesn’t top other materials. However, the common belief that wood is weaker and less durable than steel isn’t correct. Wood gates from Mesa Garage Doors offer many benefits. If you’re still deciding what type of gate to install, here are a few reasons a wooden gate can be a worthwhile investment.

Wood Is a Cost-Effective Solution

In general, timber costs less than metal. You’ll pay more for higher-quality timber and for regular maintenance, such as coating it to prevent rot and discoloration. However, the lower cost of wood makes it more cost-effective upfront.

Wood Gates Are Damage-Resistant

Despite the common belief, wood is not weak. It tolerates the elements quite well. In medieval times, shields were made out of wood and protected people in battle against steel and iron weapons. A gate made out of wood can certainly hold up in windy weather and with repeated use. Wood is also more resistant to dents, scratches, and dings compared to steel, aluminum, or plastic.

The Aesthetics Are Unbeatable

Wooden gates have remained fashionable for a long time. They come in many different styles. A traditional style is the five-bar gate, which is often found on farms and properties with farm-inspired designs. Wood security gates can be streamlined and attractive while providing a strong barrier against any threats. When any wood gate is properly maintained, it will withstand the test of time and can even look better with age.

Wooden Gates Are Highly Secure

Wood gates can provide effective security for homes and businesses. Higher gates, reinforcements, and durable locking systems can increase security even more. A sturdy gate is an effective deterrent and difficult to break down. Therefore, wooden gates can increase the amount of protection whether used for a front, side, or back entrance or even an equipment storage area.

The Functionality Beats Anything Else

The versatility of wooden gates enables them to be cut to any size or shape. Therefore, a gate can fit any opening. Whether you intend to boost security, increase privacy, or look professional, a wood gate is a good investment. A gate installer can craft the product to meet your requirements, whether the gate is for a large front entrance or an entry point along a perimeter fence. Small gates can also be created to separate parts of your garden.

A Wood Gate Is Easy to Repair

Metal and plastic gates can be challenging to fix. Doing so requires a higher level of expertise than repairing a timber gate. The materials required to repair wood are less expensive. Someone experienced in repairing timber can restore your gate in no time.

Using Wood Helps Protect the Environment

Wood is a renewable resource and producing wood gates requires fewer fossil fuels. It is far more sustainable than using metal. Therefore, if you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint, a wooden gate can be a good investment for your home or business.

As you can see, investing in a wood gate can improve the function, appearance, and security of your property. Combined with other benefits, it can also boost property value.

Order a Custom Wood Gate from Mesa Garage Doors

Produced exclusively in our Southern California wood shop, our custom wood gates can be crafted for driveways and entryways. We use the finest materials to bring your vision to life; elegance and function are our top design priorities. Whether it’s a driveway gate or a pedestrian gate, you can expect the highest quality product that’s strong, durable, and secure. Speak to one of our friendly representatives and discuss your ideas by calling (714) 497-1952 today.